Enormous sums of money are wasted each year in the IT (computer) industry¹. Experts say it has exceeded acceptable levels. Part of the problem is attributed to the enormous complexity that has established itself over the years.

With this background, doesn’t it make sense to first address the area of least effort but with the most far-reaching implications – especially if it involves a relatively simple solution? For obvious reasons, managing and executing IT strategies provides a strong candidate area. But where are the solutions – particularly the solutions that go to root causes? The IT Strategy Management Process is a solution proposal for this area that starts at the root cause level: 

 ISBN 90-77212-26-4

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Over the years, many solutions have been proposed and implemented. And yet, the waste of money continues. Meanwhile, a growing number of experts argue that traditional solutions cannot be effective^2,3,4,5. There must be more fundamental issues at work. Some experts have strong reasoning that explains a substantial part of the complexity challenge, but the IT industry struggles to see and accept the obvious. As the industry will accept the obvious in the years to come, the next challenge will be to find solutions. But when too much complexity is involved, traditional solution approaches don't work (for example, the approach to processes, organizational changes and approaches to "compliance"). Fresh solutions are needed to overcome the fundamental issues to the complexity challenge.

The author believes it doesn't matter whether we’re talking about the assumed complexity of the human brain or the complexity existing in the IT industry. When too much complexity is involved, the solution approach is the same:

• Ignore the complex thinking — take the umbrella view — think wide

• Focus on root cause identification

• Always ask yourself: Is there a very simple solution to a tough problem?

• Use the brain's superior ability of pattern recognition in favor of precision-style techniques

• Develop the solution from the patterns

Surprise Treatment for Dyslexia, ADHD, Headaches and Other Conditions: It's All About Information Management and The IT Strategy Management Process were developed using this approach. Both provide surprisingly simple solutions for areas which were believed to be overwhelmingly complex.      

Extended Information

• For a book excerpt, including a list of root causes and issues, click here. (Right-click to save to your PC. You’ll need Adobe Reader.)

• For a presentation, click here. (2.2 MB. Right-click to save to your PC. You’ll need MS PowerPoint or PowerPoint Viewer; click here if you need the PowerPoint Viewer.)

• For a white paper, click here. (Right-click to save to your PC. You’ll need Adobe Reader.)

• DMReview article "Compliance: You Should, But Can you?" (click here)

References 

¹ “$290 billion lost from failed IT projects”, newspaper Automatisering Gids,  Netherlands, May 21, 2004

² Power to the Edge. Alberts, David S. and Hayes, Richard E., CCRP Publication Series, 2003

³ “Complexity and Information Overload in Society”, Heylighen, Francis, 2002

⁴ “Tackling Complexity and Information Overload”, Heylighen, Francis, 2002

⁵ On Intelligence, Hawkins, Jeff, ISBN 0-8050-7456-2, 200